Evidence of meeting #25 for Procedure and House Affairs in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was meeting.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:35 a.m.
Conservative
11:35 a.m.
Conservative
Blake Richards Conservative Banff—Airdrie, AB
Nothing less than a yes answer at some time when she's available will be acceptable.
11:35 a.m.
Liberal
Arnold Chan Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
I understand your position. At the end of the day, I don't control the timing of members of the executive council, but we will push it.
I also want to go back to some of the comments Mr. Reid made in the last meeting. He noted that this particular minister, along with the Minister of Health, are pretty busy, given this week's agenda and the compressed time schedule they are dealing with right now. He did note that notwithstanding that, we would like her to appear as urgently as possible. There is a lot on her plate right now. I am mindful of their difficult schedules.
Maybe there's a misunderstanding. If they are willing to meet us off-hours, it might give us a lot more options.
11:35 a.m.
Conservative
Blake Richards Conservative Banff—Airdrie, AB
Again, I'll make it very clear.
I don't think there's a single person in Canada who will believe that the minister cannot find one hour in two weeks anywhere in her schedule. Certainly no one here will believe it, and I don't believe any Canadian will believe it. I certainly hope the government is going to try to take this seriously.
I understand the position you're in. You can't speak for her, but I think it will be quite clear how this government treats matters of privilege and how this government considers the importance of this Parliament and taking it seriously. If she doesn't appear here, people will know that this government is not serious about this Parliament and being accountable to it. That will be very clear.
11:35 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Larry Bagnell
I see a consensus around the room that we will let her know that we will adjust our time, if necessary.
Jamie.
11:35 a.m.
Conservative
Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON
Yes, I am the same. I agree with what Blake was saying. As a matter of privilege we need to go with it. I appreciate what everyone on the other.... I saw a lot of nodding heads, which is a good sign. As David said, we would appreciate this not happening again.
I agree, Arnold, you're going to do the best you can, but that's why we gave the advance notice.
11:35 a.m.
Liberal
Arnold Chan Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Agreed. It's notice.
I'll be frank, I'm just as surprised, but we will follow up.
11:40 a.m.
Conservative
Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON
I agree with Blake. You can't speak. But I don't think anyone would agree that she can't find an hour somewhere in the clock.
11:40 a.m.
Liberal
Arnold Chan Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
That's what I'm saying. I think there might be some miscommunication.
Let's just clarify. Give me an opportunity to clarify.